Dancing With the Stars to return in September amid pandemic

Dancing With the Stars is set to resume production amid the coronavirus pandemic with plans to film season 29 this September, according to ET.

The strategy for how to safely and successfully film the competition dance series is reportedly in flux, however, with the timeline subject to change due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases.

DailyMail.com exclusively reported that Tyra Banks will be stepping in as the solo host for the upcoming season, replacing both Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.

They're coming back! Dancing With the Stars is set to resume production amid the coronavirus pandemic with plans to film season 29 this September, according to ET

They’re coming back! Dancing With the Stars is set to resume production amid the coronavirus pandemic with plans to film season 29 this September, according to ET 

The DWTS team is ‘getting creative’ about how to safely resume production as diagnosed cases of COVID-19 are on the rise, ET reported.

Production for season 29 is scheduled to begin in September but because of the pandemic but ‘it’s possible that the date could be moved around if new issues arise or safety protocols change in Los Angeles.’

Last week, California averaged 9,558 new coronavirus cases, making the total number of confirmed cases in the Golden State over 467K.    

Details about how the show will safely film, particularly with the dancers needing to be in such close contact, haven’t been revealed at this time.  

Making it work: The DWTS team is 'getting creative' about how to safely resume production as diagnosed cases of COVID-19 are on the rise and the September date is subject to change, ET reported

Making it work: The DWTS team is ‘getting creative’ about how to safely resume production as diagnosed cases of COVID-19 are on the rise and the September date is subject to change, ET reported

Aside from the safety concerns causing some production changes, the show will have a totally different feel from the previous 15 years with a new host at the helm.

DailyMail.com first broke the news that Tyra Banks would replace veteran Tom Bergeron, as well as Erin Andrews, after they were both unexpectedly axed by the network. 

Tyra was then officially unveiled as the new host of the popular show during an appearance on GMA last week.

The 46-year-old model turned TV mogul said she was ‘excited’ to step into the role of both host and executive producer and thrilled to ‘break down’ barriers by becoming the show’s first solo black female host.

All new: DailyMail.com first broke the news that Tyra Banks would replace veteran Tom Bergeron, as well as Erin Andrews, after they were both unexpectedly axed by the network (Pictured in March)

All new: DailyMail.com first broke the news that Tyra Banks would replace veteran Tom Bergeron, as well as Erin Andrews, after they were both unexpectedly axed by the network (Pictured in March) 

Replaced: Bergeron recently tweeted that the show would be 'continuing without' him; ABC later confirmed in a statement that not only was Bergeron out, but his co-host Andrews wouldn't return as well

Replaced: Bergeron recently tweeted that the show would be ‘continuing without’ him; ABC later confirmed in a statement that not only was Bergeron out, but his co-host Andrews wouldn’t return as well

While she couldn’t divulge too many details, Tyra hinted that she and the show’s other executive producer are working together to make some changes on the celebrity dance series.

‘Let’s just keep this real, it’s gonna be so next level,’ she teased. ‘We’re doing all this crazy stuff, taking it to the next level, but still keeping the stuff America loves.’

Adding: ‘But you need to get ready because it’s gonna be different.’ 

She is replacing both of the current hosts on the show as part of the network’s recent decision to pivot.

'Let's just keep this real, it's gonna be so next level,' Tyra teased about season 29 on GMA. 'We're doing all this crazy stuff, taking it to the next level, but still keeping the stuff America loves.'

‘Let’s just keep this real, it’s gonna be so next level,’ Tyra teased about season 29 on GMA. ‘We’re doing all this crazy stuff, taking it to the next level, but still keeping the stuff America loves.’

‘ABC wanted to freshen the show up and take it in a new direction,’ one source told DailyMail.com. ‘Tyra is an experienced TV host who knows how to produce great TV and make TV moments.’ 

Adding: ‘She’s dynamic and fun and will bring a whole new energy to the show.’

Bergeron most recently hosted the 28th season of Dancing With The Stars and marked his 15th year with the program. 

The Emmy-winning host recently tweeted that the show would be ‘continuing without’ him; ABC later confirmed in a statement that not only was Bergeron out, but his co-host Andrews wouldn’t return as well.

A representative for the television personality said in a statement that the move was the network’s call: ‘ABC opted not to pick up Tom’s option. In the fine tradition of Hollywood cliches, they’re ‘Going in a different direction.” 

A representative for the television personality said in a statement that the move was the network's call: 'ABC opted not to pick up Tom's option. In the fine tradition of Hollywood cliches, they're 'Going in a different direction.''

A representative for the television personality said in a statement that the move was the network’s call: ‘ABC opted not to pick up Tom’s option. In the fine tradition of Hollywood cliches, they’re ‘Going in a different direction.”

Andrews began co-hosting in 2014 for season 18, following Brooke Burke-Charvet’s departure. 

Casting for season 29 hasn’t been unveiled with the exception of Bacheloretty star Kaitlyn Bristowe who was announced in June.  

‘I’ll be happy with whoever they partner me with. I just feel like they’re all incredible,’ Bristowe told ET after her big reveal. ‘They have to be to be on that show!’ 

Last season, fellow Bachelor Nation star Hannah Brown took home the coveted mirror ball trophy with her partner Alan Bersten.

Reigning champ: Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe is the only confirmed contestant for season 29; She follow's last season winner, fellow Bachelor Nation star Hannah Brown who took home the coveted mirror ball trophy with her partner Alan Bersten (pictured)

Reigning champ: Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe is the only confirmed contestant for season 29; She follow’s last season winner, fellow Bachelor Nation star Hannah Brown who took home the coveted mirror ball trophy with her partner Alan Bersten (pictured)

source: dailymail.co.uk